Dozens of Palestinians with US passports or legal residency in the US have managed to get out of the Gaza Strip since the most recent violence began, but there are dozens more still there. And it's not clear if or when they will be able to leave.

Those born in the 1980s and 1990s helped lead the Arab Spring movements, pressing for more open and democratic societies. Author Juan Cole says they are just beginning to reshape the Middle East, with a mindset that is more liberal, less religious and unencumbered by the past.

The battle for Iraq, between Sunni militant groups and Shiite-dominated government forces, is not just about Iraq. Journalist Dexter Filkins says its could engulf much of the Middle East and create another terrorism sanctuary, similar to Afghanistan before 9/11.

Former Israeli leader Ariel Sharon has died after spending nearly eight years in a coma that followed a stroke. Sharon was highly controversial — both loved and hated. And few individuals in recent memory have had as much of an influence on the recent history of the Middle East.

The Islamic militia linked to al-Qaeda now fighting in Syria and Iraq is called the ISIS, or sometimes the ISIL. The reason for the different names lies in the history of what is now called Greater Syria.

Violence is spreading in Iraq's western Anbar province engulfing two key cities — Fallujah and Ramadi. Many Americans remember Fallujah and Anbar province as places where US soldiers fought and died. Retired US Army Colonel Peter Mansoor knows the area well and says the US government should re-engage.

Afghanistan and Pakistan have occupied central roles in American foreign policy for the last decade — and some role long before that. But their influence may well wane if relations between the US and Iran continue to improve.

Updated

11/20/2013 - 1:15pm

Israeli-Palestinian collaboration is rare enough in the fractious Middle East. But harmony? Two pianists are showing personal peace is possible, along with world-class performance in Europe and the Middle East.

After a violent crackdown against Arab Spring protesters in Syria, the government is using its hospitals to find and isolate dissidents. To get the treatment they need, they're having to go to independent, underground, make-shift hospitals.

Dozens of Palestinians with US passports or legal residency in the US have managed to get out of the Gaza Strip since the most recent violence began, but there are dozens more still there. And it's not clear if or when they will be able to leave.

Those born in the 1980s and 1990s helped lead the Arab Spring movements, pressing for more open and democratic societies. Author Juan Cole says they are just beginning to reshape the Middle East, with a mindset that is more liberal, less religious and unencumbered by the past.

Over the weekend, the last U.S. troops left Iraq. They rode in a convoy to Kuwait. But for most of the soldier who went before them, Iraq will be a part of their lives forever — some moreso than others, like Colby Buzzell, who's battling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi barely communicate with each other. The former is seeking the arrest of the latter, accusing him of running a death squad. Now, the Iraqi Kurdish population is in a position to determine the course the country's government takes.

Updated

11/20/2013 - 1:15pm

Israeli-Palestinian collaboration is rare enough in the fractious Middle East. But harmony? Two pianists are showing personal peace is possible, along with world-class performance in Europe and the Middle East.

After a violent crackdown against Arab Spring protesters in Syria, the government is using its hospitals to find and isolate dissidents. To get the treatment they need, they're having to go to independent, underground, make-shift hospitals.

Those born in the 1980s and 1990s helped lead the Arab Spring movements, pressing for more open and democratic societies. Author Juan Cole says they are just beginning to reshape the Middle East, with a mindset that is more liberal, less religious and unencumbered by the past.

The Islamic militia linked to al-Qaeda now fighting in Syria and Iraq is called the ISIS, or sometimes the ISIL. The reason for the different names lies in the history of what is now called Greater Syria.

The battle for Iraq, between Sunni militant groups and Shiite-dominated government forces, is not just about Iraq. Journalist Dexter Filkins says its could engulf much of the Middle East and create another terrorism sanctuary, similar to Afghanistan before 9/11.

Afghanistan and Pakistan have occupied central roles in American foreign policy for the last decade — and some role long before that. But their influence may well wane if relations between the US and Iran continue to improve.

Dozens of Palestinians with US passports or legal residency in the US have managed to get out of the Gaza Strip since the most recent violence began, but there are dozens more still there. And it's not clear if or when they will be able to leave.

Violence is spreading in Iraq's western Anbar province engulfing two key cities — Fallujah and Ramadi. Many Americans remember Fallujah and Anbar province as places where US soldiers fought and died. Retired US Army Colonel Peter Mansoor knows the area well and says the US government should re-engage.